Our program is led by a dedicated team of instructors and staff who are passionate about horses, inclusivity, and empowering every rider. Learn more about the people who make our program possible and who work every day to ensure that each rider feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential!
Shelby Dytschkowskyj: Director of Equine Assisted Services
Shelby has been a part of the High Hurdles program since 2013, when she began volunteering after school and on weekends. Her journey in equine therapy started in 8th grade with a career research project and has grown over the years, including working as a part-time riding instructor in 2019. In July 2021, she stepped into her current role as Director of High Hurdles.
When Lothlorien became an affiliate of SASi in 2025, Shelby officially joined the Lothlorien team, continuing her dedication to the program’s mission. She holds a dual major in Equestrian Studies and Psychology from Houghton University, along with a minor in Equine Assisted Therapies. Additionally, she is a certified Level 2 CHA Instructor and Equine Facility Manager. Shelby is committed to continuously learning and growing, and she is driven by a desire to see our equine assisted programs expand its impact and reach even more people.
Cierra Friedman: Assistant Manager of Equine Programs
Cierra began at Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center as an intern in 2021, became an instructor in 2022, and later joined the office management team in 2023. She holds a dual major in Animal Behavior and Psychology with a minor in Anthrozoology and an MSc in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Riding since the age of five, Cierra has experience in multiple disciplines and has spent the past ten years barrel racing, qualifying for NBHA Worlds numerous times. She owns four horses and loves sharing the magic of horses with students and volunteers, finding joy in their growth and small victories. Her goal is to bring equine-assisted psychotherapy to LTRC in the future.
Izzy Gritsavage: Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Izzy joined the Lothlorien team at the beginning of 2025. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Management with a minor in Equine Assisted Therapies and is a CHA Instructor of English Riding (Level 4 with Jumping), Western Riding (Level 2), and a Level 3 Certified Equine Facilities Manager. With competitive experience in eventing through the Novice level and dressage through the second level, Izzy brings a strong foundation in multiple disciplines.
She loves teaching riders of all levels and is especially skilled at helping students transition to riding independently, where her patience and encouragement help them grow in confidence.
Susan Drake: Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Susan grew up with horses right in her backyard. For the past three years, she has served as both an instructor and horse caretaker at Lothlorien. Susan also owns her own horse and is dedicated to continually expanding her knowledge and skills through ongoing education. She draws inspiration from mentors such as Jean Luc Cornille, Buck Brannaman, and Temple Grandin.
Her greatest goal as an instructor is to help her students grow in confidence and independence, both in and out of the saddle.
Sandy Whistler: Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Sandy has been involved with Lothlorien for approximately 30 years, beginning her journey as a volunteer and developing a deep, long-standing commitment to the organization and its mission. Under the mentorship of Debbie Winters, she was trained to become an instructor and earned her NARHA certification in 1998. Since that time, Sandy has been actively instructing, bringing decades of experience, knowledge, and dedication to the program.
In addition to her instructional role, Sandy has contributed her leadership and insight through service on the board of directors in past years.